Who Is Pietra Dawn Cherniak? Playboy Ex-Wife of Billy Bob Thornton
Why did Pietra Dawn Cherniak relationship with Billy Bob Thorton gain the most limelight? Their short but tumultuous relationship was the talk of the town in 1997 when the actress filed for divorce because of irreconcilable differences.
Here’s everything we know about what went down with the Hollywood couple’s relationship.
Who Is Pietra Dawn Cherniak?
Pietra Dawn Cherniak or previously Pietra Dawn Thorton is a Russian model and actress. She was born in the Pacific Palisades area in February of 1970, making her 51 years old today.
By the time she was 2 years old, her family had moved back to their homeland and raised her in Russia. She migrated to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming an actress and model.
Playboy Past
According to sources, Pietra stands at 5 ft 5 inches or (1.65 m) in height. Her beautiful features gave her a start in the modeling industry.
Her most popular feature was posing for Playboy magazine in January 1998 to raise awareness for women against domestic violence.
“The layout was a sacrifice of myself … I wanted to reach people to bring awareness of domestic violence,” she shares on the magazine.
Pietra’s most recent feature was in the TV documentary series E! True Hollywood Story, where she made a cameo in 2005’s episode.
How Did Pietra Cherniak and Billy Thornton Meet?
The couple met outside an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles in 1992. That same year, Billy Thornton just divorced his third wife – Cynda Williams.
They wed a year after and were married for only 5 years – from 1993 to 1997.
Billy Thorton is most known for his acting, filmmaking, directing, musical talents as a songwriter and singer. He has a total of 27 wins and 69 nominations in both film and music awards.
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Marriage Life
The couple had their first son in 1993. They welcomed William Langston Thorton – Billy’s first son in his fourth marriage. And just a year later, they had their second son – Harry James Thorton.
While Billy Thornton has been married six times, he only has four children among all his wives. His first daughter Amanda Brumfield was with Melissa Lee Gatlin, two sons William and Harry, with Pietra Dawn Cherniak; and another daughter Bella with Connie Angland
Rocky Relationship Gained Spark from Media
Pietra Dawn Cherniak, previously known as (Pietra Dawn Thornton) gained recognition from the media because of her rocky marriage with the famous actor. Their tumultuous relationship was in the spotlight the year of 1997 when she filed for divorce.
Real Cause of Separation
Media outlets showed she filed for divorce because of Irreconcilable differences. The model also filed a restraining order against Billy Thorton in Los Angeles Superior Court. She bravely shared in her court documents,
“Over the past year, at least once or twice per month, [Thornton] has hit me, pushed me, punched me, bit me or otherwise physically attacked me, sometimes in front of the children [William, 3, and Harry James, 2]”
She shares more details of the separation from claims of abuse – punching, pushing, hitting.
Billy Denies All Allegations Against Him…
Billy had his own defense in court, saying, “Our marriage was not perfect, but I never exhibited the behavior she’s accusing me of. Our concerns right now should be about our sons, who will suffer the most as a result of her advisers’ conduct.”
Pietra was on the winning end-gaining custody of her two sons and was also granted the restraining order against her ex-husband.
What Is Pietra Dawn Cherniak Up to Now?
After the divorce, Pietra lived in Malibu with her children. While her dating life is on the down-low after the spotlight relationship, she was seen with a beau a few years after her divorce.
It is unconfirmed if the pair are still together to this day, but it’s safe to assume Pietra’s found comfort in her new relationship.
She wrote a reality show pilot called Celebrity Ex, which is all about the struggle and dilemma of people getting back with their exes, or dating someone new.
Pietra keeps her private life away from social media of any kind. Her upbringings are also unconfirmed (school, past career, family background).